Colao

Ken Colao, an experienced entrepreneur and leader in the construction industry, has over 40 years of experience leading major firms and managing high-profile projects. As founder, president, and CEO of CNY Group, he has driven the adoption of open shop construction in New York City and led the company to achieve certified “B” Corp status, advancing sustainable development goals and DEIB standards. Ken is vice chairman of the Board of Directors at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and chair of the NJIT Hillier School of Architecture and Design Board of Advisors. He received the EY Entrepreneur of The Year® award for the New York Region in 2017. Ken is a prominent figure in the New York Building Congress, AHRC NYC, and Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), where he has held key leadership roles, including Champion of YPO’s Global Virtual Roundtable on ESG and Network Chair Emeritus for the Construction Industry Network. Recognized by Crain’s New York Business in 2024 as a Notable Leader in Sustainability, Ken remains at the forefront of industry innovation and leadership.